Pope Leo XIV urged the Ancient Eastern Orthodox Churches to unite with the ROC

Pope Leo XIV addressed young priests and monks of the Ancient Eastern Orthodox Churches (pre-Chalcedonian churches — ed.), emphasizing the importance of growing in common faith and mutual support. Speaking at the Vatican to representatives of the Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Eritrean, Malankara and Syriac Orthodox Churches, the Pontiff called for overcoming internal prejudices for the sake of strengthening Christian unity, which, he said, can be a powerful incentive for peace on earth and universal reconciliation.

According to Vatican News, the address took place as part of a study visit organized by the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity. Pope Leo XIV noted that «the historical and cultural differences in our Churches represent a marvelous mosaic of our common Christian heritage, which we can all appreciate.» He also recalled the words of St. Peter: «Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.»

The Pontiff recalled the recent celebration of the Week of Prayer for the Unity of Christians, the theme of which was taken from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, «One body and one spirit, as you are called to the one hope of your calling.» Reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys, Pope Leo XIV noted that these journeys helped Paul realize the unique characteristics of each Christian community, including their ethnic background, customs and specific challenges. He also emphasized the risk of communities becoming withdrawn or overly focused on their own concerns.

This is why, the Pope emphasized, St. Paul «in all his letters was determined to remind them that they are part of the one Mystical Body of Christ.» He urged them to support one another and to maintain a unity of faith and teaching that reflects the transcendent nature and unity of God. Pope Leo XIV praised the common Christian heritage of the Churches represented and emphasized the need to work and pray together. «We must continue to support one another so that we can grow in our common faith in Christ, who is the ultimate source of our peace,» he said, adding that such growth requires the ability to «disarm ourselves.»

In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV quoted the late Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople, whom he called «a pioneer of the ecumenical movement.» Patriarch Athenagoras said, «I am disarmed from the need to be right, to justify myself by condemning others,» instead he was engaged in «the most difficult war» — «the war against myself.» Pope Leo XIV concluded, «When we eliminate the prejudices we carry within ourselves and disarm our hearts, we grow in charity, cooperate more closely and strengthen our bonds of unity in Christ,» making Christian unity «the leaven for peace on earth and for the reconciliation of all.»

The Pontiff concluded his address by expressing his gratitude for the visit, offering a joint prayer «Our Father» and asking the Lord to bless and preserve those present.

Recall, earlier Archbishop Elpidophoros of America (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Patriarchate of Constantinople) said that the division between the Local and Oriental (Dochalcedonian Churches, — ed.) Orthodox Churches is not inherently theological. He emphasized that despite the theological agreements reached decades ago, unity has not yet been restored due to non-theological reasons. In his remarks, the hierarch also sharply criticized the contemporary ruptures of communion caused by jurisdictional disputes.